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Kieran Read

A dominant player across the field and a master of the role of the modern number 8, Kieran Read turns in consistently outstanding and athletic performances on the field, complemented by his leadership skills and professionalism.

Appointed to the captaincy role by Steve Hansen for the 2016 Steinlager Series squad, Read has extensive leadership experience. He first captained the All Blacks in 2012 against Italy in Rome and heading into the Steinlager Series was unbeaten in his nine matches as skipper, which included leading the way against Tonga at RWC 2015.

The most-capped member of the 2016 squad, Read was a key part of the All Blacks squad that claimed the RWC 2011 and RWC 2015 titles. He played in all seven matches at last year's Tournament.

Read’s exemplary performances in 2013 were recognised with both national and international player of the year awards that praised his leadership as well as his consistently outstanding and athletic performances on the field. He has been in compelling form in 2014 after injury disrupted his rugby earlier in the year.

The New Zealand Player of the Year in 2010, he overcame an ankle injury last year to star in RWC 2011 and is one of the first names pencilled in by the coach of any team he represents.

A natural athlete, he appeared for New Zealand Schools, New Zealand Under 19, New Zealand Under 21 and the Junior All Blacks before making the All Blacks in 2008. He has also represented New Zealand at age-group cricket.He is now considered one of the first All Blacks named, and after another strong season for the Crusaders was selected in the 2011 squad to play Fiji and the Investec Tri Nations.

The Canterbury captain in 2008 and stand-in captain for the Crusaders in 2010, Read began his senior representative career at blindside flanker but is now considered a specialist No 8 for the Crusaders and the All Blacks.

Read has had a rapid rise to the top having represented New Zealand at Schools, Under 19, Under 21 level and Junior All Blacks level. Just as quickly, he became a vital cog in red and black sides. After making his provincial debut for Canterbury in 2006, he captained them to victory in the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup.

In 2009 Read rose to become the All Blacks first choice number eight, displacing long-serving veteran Rodney So'oialo as the Test number eight. He would go on to play in 13 Test matches in the year, and strong form during the 2010 Rebel Sport Super 14 would again ensure his selection in the national side.

Regaining their execution and poise, the All Blacks dismantled, piece by painful piece, the great Springbok revival with a record-breaking score of 57-0 in front of 30,021 at Albany in their Investec Rugby Championship Test on Saturday.
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All Blacks captain Kieran Read is expecting the 2017 Springboks to be different opponents than the 2016 version who were pummelled home and away by New Zealand when they meet in the Investec Rugby Championship Test in Albany on Saturday.
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All Blacks captain Kieran Read faced a significant test of his leadership when losing first five-eighths Beauden Barrett to the sin-bin at a crucial stage of their 39-22 win over Argenitina in New Plymouth on Saturday.
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Overcoming a fired-up Argentine team for a 39-22 Investec Rugby Championship win, the All Blacks had the benefit of their lesser lights gaining a reminder of the demands of Test play while also unleashing a new star in the shape of flanker Vaea Fifita.
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Avoiding complacency and gearing for a big challenge from a hurt Argentine team would be crucial for a less experienced All Blacks team for Saturday night's Investec Rugby Championship Test in New Plymouth.
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After assembling in Brisbane, Assistant Coach Ian Foster and Number 8 Kieran Read give their thoughts on what to expect this week.
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Career Comments

• Captained Canterbury to Air New Zealand Cup victory in 2008.• Was recognised as one of the Promising Players of the Year by the 2007 Rugby Almanack and one of the Players of the Year in the 2010 Almanack.• He has previously represented New Zealand at age-group level in cricket.